Support for New Dads
Father’s Day is on Sunday and that means we are thinking about all the folks becoming Dads for the first time. New dads sometimes feel isolated and maybe even frustrated while they are learning how to support their partner’s physical recovery from birth while also learning how to take care of a brand new baby. We have gathered a few resources that might be helpful in getting support and building a community for new dads.
Before the Baby is Born
We recommend taking both classes that are specific to new fathers and taking classes for you and your partner. This is a great way to connect with other new dads who are having a baby around the same time as you.
In Raleigh, you can check out Daddy Boot Camp offered at WakeMed Hospitals. This is a class that is for Dads-only and you can learn all kind of tricks and tups about newborn care. This class may even be taught be an experienced Dad!
Doulas of Raleigh offers Newborn Care Class each month and encourages both parents to attend. Classes are capped at 5 couples so it is easy to make connections with other couples and meet other new dads!
After the Baby is Born
Lean on your village! Talk to your brother, your cousin, and even your own Dad for advice and support. If they have kids, they have been through what you are going through and may have some good tips for you. Talk to those other new Dads that you met before the baby was born and form a group text just so you can communicate with each other. They will definitely understand how you might be feeling and you can lean on each other for emotional support. You can also consider hiring a postpartum doula for your family to help lessen your load.
Reach out to a counselor or therapist. Even if you are feeling OK, it is nice to have someone to talk to who is a safe space. If you are not feeling OK, that is an even better reason to reach out. Studies show that 1 in 10 Dads develop postpartum depression. You can get help and you can feel better.
Join some support groups. There a several virtual groups as well as a few in-person groups local to Raleigh. Postpartum Support International has a Dad Support Group (virtual). There is the Raleigh Dads Group on Facebook for another virtual option. A great resource in our are is the Triangle Area Parenting Support group (T.A.P.S). This is a support group for new parents facilitated by an expereinced parent and groups are in person all over the Triangle.
We aren’t meant to parent alone, and this includes Dads. We encourage you to use the resources above to help you build a communty of amazing new Dads!